Agenda Profile: Yoko Alender
Draft Law Amending the Waste Act (676 SE) – First Reading
2025-09-23
15th Riigikogu, 6th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly supportive of the draft amendment to the Waste Act (676 SE), emphasizing the streamlining of the system and the elimination of duplication within the legislation. Key priorities include promoting the circular economy, ensuring the economic viability of recycling valuable materials, and increasing strategic independence regarding critical raw materials. This stance is clearly policy-driven, focusing on standardization and producer responsibility mechanisms.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge in the field of circular economy and waste management, particularly concerning the economic and technical aspects of battery and accumulator recycling. Specific data regarding the quantities of electronic waste is utilized (e.g., 20,000 tons of electronics placed on the market), and reference is made to European-level regulations, such as the Critical Raw Materials Regulation. The profitability of lead-acid battery recycling and the role of producer responsibility organizations are highlighted separately.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is neutral, formal, and informative, as this is the leading committee’s report on the results of the discussion. The presentation is logic-driven and highly detailed, explaining the content of the draft bill, its economic rationale, and the functioning of the system (e.g., the role of producer responsibility organizations as a form of insurance). Emotional appeals are not utilized, with the exception of a brief mention regarding the nuisance caused by electronic cigarettes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker’s pattern of activity includes active participation in the committee’s work, specifically by presenting a report on the outcomes of the September 15th discussion. They fulfill the role of the representative of the lead committee during the first reading of the draft legislation, which indicates regular engagement in legislative duties. The meetings were attended by the minister and several officials from the Circular Economy Department.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no criticism directed at specific opponents or political groups. The focus is on solving systemic problems, such as the duplication of laws and the need to reduce strategic dependence on China for critical raw materials.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style is open and inclusive, focusing on substantive discussions with the Minister and officials from the Circular Economy Department during the committee session. The objective of this cooperation was a thorough analysis of the draft legislation's content and economic feasibility, involving experts (Kuldar Leis, Kelli Seppel, Peep Siim).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards streamlining national legislation and broader European Union policy, particularly concerning the Critical Raw Materials Regulation. It is important to reduce dependence on China in battery manufacturing and raw material sourcing. Local or sub-regional issues are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives advocate for the promotion of the circular economy, where economic profitability (such as in lead recycling) serves as the foundation for the system's operation. Emphasis is placed on the obligation of producer responsibility and the role of organizations acting as a form of insurance, guaranteeing consumers the free handling of batteries. Strategic economic independence is supported through the recovery of critical raw materials.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues addressed are the environmental disruption caused by electronic cigarettes and the necessity of finding better solutions for collecting them. The text also mentions a shift in consumer behavior, which was evident in the noticeable increase in electronic waste volumes following the premature withdrawal of funds from the second pension pillar.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the draft Act amending the Waste Act (676 SE), which aims to standardize the recycling system for batteries and accumulators and ensure producer responsibility. The speaker is a strong proponent of the bill and is responsible for concluding its first reading in the Riigikogu as the representative of the lead committee. The draft bill also aims to eliminate duplication within existing legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed